EPL: Greatest Defenders of the Premier League Era

Defence hasn't been the highlight of the Premier League 2011/12, with it looking likely it could the most fruitful in terms of goals.

With that being said, however, there have been some truly outstanding centre backs that have graced our league.

It is doubtful you will agree with the entire run down, so feel free to add any names you feel should have been included and who you would've replaced.

And remember, those who are listed, are done so in no particular order.

Sami Hyypia

Arriving at Liverpool in 1999, Hyypia was a relative unknown at the time, but went on to become an integral part of the side for a decade.

He formed a good understanding with Jamie Carragher, and was even captain for part of his stay.

The fee paid, which was in the region of £2.5m, must make him one of the greatest bargains in the history of the club.

Since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2009 on a free transfer he has gone on to be placed in temporary charge of the club.

Sol Campbell

A choice which will no doubt irk fans of Tottenham Hotspur following his free transfer to arch rivals Arsenal.

Campbell was an imperious figure at the back, crucial to both club and country for many years.

Despite a career that trailed off, with a desire to play despite age issues, he had every quality you would desire from a centre back at his peak.

Yesterday the 37-year-old officially announced his retirement from the game, ending a 19 year career.

Nemanja Vidic

Another who wasn't widely known when he arrived in the Premier League, Vidic has gone on to establish himself as an integral part of the Manchester United side.

His importance in the side was highlighted when he has spent a large period out this season due to injury.

Signed for a bargain £7m in January 2006, he went on to form a brilliant partnership with Rio Ferdinand which set the club en route to even more honours.

He is still constantly linked with moves away, particularly to Italy, despite injury, but will no doubt be back at the heart of the United defence next term.

Gary Pallister

Another on the list who spent the main part of his career at Manchester United, Pallister was one from the old school who formed a brilliant partnership with Steve Bruce.

A record £2.3m fee was paid to take Pallister to Old Trafford from Middlesbrough, where he was a key figure in helping secure a first title in decades.

A switch back to the Riverside to join his boyhood club followed before retirement in 2001.

Jamie Carragher

Carragher is part of the Anfield furniture, and a member of the exclusive 'one man club' group which is becoming increasingly rare.

Carragher established himself as a centre back despite flexibility allowing him to play anywhere along the back line, something which blighted his England career and led him to retirement.

He has become known for his no-nonsense approach, and has won nearly everything possible at club level except the illustrious Premier League.

It seems retirement could be on the cards in the not too distant future.

Paul McGrath

One of the most remarkable things about McGrath is the admission that he rarely trained whilst at Aston Villa due to injuries.

He made the switch to the Midlands after seven years at Old Trafford, going on to enjoy another seven at Villa Park before moving on to Derby County and later a brief stint at Sheffield United.

Even more incredible is that he won the PFA Player of Year award in the debut Premier League season at the age of 33, with his Villa side finishing second to old club Manchester United.

Rio Ferdinand

An integral part of the Manchester United set up over recent years, Ferdinand started his career at West Ham United where he came through the famed academy.

From there he broke the first of two transfer records by moving to Leeds United for near £20m, before eclipsing that figure with a £30m switch to Old Trafford.

Instantly winning a Premier League trophy in 2002/03, he has gone on to add four more in addition to a Champions League winners' medal amongst others.

John Terry

The Marmite man of English football.

Love him or hate him, you can't debate that Terry at his peak was up there with the very best.

He began captaining Chelsea at a young age, from which his leadership skills were clear to everyone.

Under Jose Mourinho in 2004/05 it could be perceived he had his best season, leading the club to its maiden Premier League title and conceding just 15 goals alongside Ricardo Carvalho in the heart of defence.

Steve Bruce

Bruce helped Manchester United to three Premier League titles between 1992 and 1996; his partnership with Gary Pallister proving to be a brilliant platform from which to build.

Despite all he achieved in the game, is it quite remarkable that he never represented his national side and is widely regarded as the greatest player never to appear for his country.

Since retirement Bruce has moved in to management, with limited success.

Tony Adams

An outstanding defender and widely regarded as the greatest in his position to have graced the Premier League.

He formed a great back four alongside Steve Bould, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon, and was given huge pressure at just 21 when he was made captain.

Adams showed terrific fight whilst battling his alcohol demons, and is the only English footballer to have captained a side to the title in three consecutive decades.

Missing the Cut

There have been some excellent defensive talent in these first 20 years of the Premier league, and there will no doubt be some people missing who you feel merit a place.

Jaap Stam was one who came very close to being included, while Leeds United stalwart Lucas Radebe was also highly thought of.

In addition to this there are several defenders still plying their trade in the Premier League, but need a few more years under their belt before being included.

Anyone missing?  Or someone on the list you feel shouldn't be?  Let me know.